soil erosion
Soil erosion refers to the erosion of the top layer of dirt known as
topsoil, the fertile material vital to life. The rate of soil erosion
depends on many factors, including the soil's makeup, vegetation, and
the intensity of wind and rain. Construction and natural disasters can
speed up the process of soil erosion. The effects of soil erosion go
beyond the loss of fertile land; it has led to increased pollution and
sedimentation in streams, rivers which clog these waterways and cause
declines in and fish and other species. Eroded land is often less able
to hold onto water, which can worsen flooding and removal of vegetation.
Erosion control is a vital part of both residential and
commercial construction and land preservation efforts. Straw wattles
when properly installed can reduce the rate of soil erosion, control
sediment on sites, reduce stormwater runoff velocity, and promote water
quality.